The Bernardine Franciscan Sisters are called by God to live the Gospel in the Spirit of St. Francis of Assisi. We profess public vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, and live a life of contemplative prayer and active ministry in a common fraternity. Admission to the Congregation If a woman desires more information about the congregation, or would like to be in touch with a community of sisters, she can either fill out an online form or contact the Vocation Director at: Shaun Kathleen Wilson, OSF Office of Vocations 460 St. Bernardine St. Reading, PA 19607 610-777-2967 FollowFrancis@Bfranciscan.org If she wishes to enter a discernment process with the congregation, the following steps are required. Affiliate The affiliate program is a six-month to one-year residency with the congregation prior to formal entrance. It is an opportunity for the woman to observe religious life in a more intimate setting. During the affiliate phase, the woman maintains her current lifestyle, remains employed, and is free to visit with her family and friends while residing with a local community of sisters. Candidate After an appropriate evaluation, the woman may be admitted to the congregation as a candidate (postulant), a period of approximately one year in which she begins a formal study of religious life, the history and charism of the congregation, and a more intense program of personal spiritual growth. Novitiate Religious life formally begins in the Novitiate, a period of continuing discernment and in-depth formation. It is a two-year program of study and prayer. The canonical year is spent in a designated House of Formation, and is devoted to a study of the Franciscan Rule, the constitution and directives of the congregation, and the vows. During the second year, the novice has an opportunity to spend time experiencing the various ministries of the congregation, and continues studies to prepare for temporary profession. Temporary Profession The novitiate is followed by a period of at least three years of temporary profession of vows, a time marked by continual spiritual growth. The temporary professed sister is supported by the congregation as she discovers her unique call to ministry in religious life. Final Profession After a minimum of three years, a sister may be accepted for final profession of vows and full incorporation into the congregation. GO TO ASSOCIATES PAGE *  GO TO NEWEST MEMBERS PAGE